Compatibility in a relationship means that both parties get along well, enjoy each other’s company, have respect for one another, and have the potential for a long-term love connection. When an INTP personality and an INFP personality connect, can they form a long-term, compatible relationship? Or will the realist and the dreamer clash?
INTP vs INFP
INTPs are creative thinkers who love to spend their time solving large-scale problems but aren’t likely to focus on day-to-day upkeep. For those that don’t know them well, INTPs appear to be daydreamers. They are incredibly focused on thinking about real-life.
INFPs are typically perceived to be quiet and reserved, which they can be at times. However, they also have amazing imaginations and appreciate opportunities to express themselves creatively. They have a deep caring for those around them and love to daydream about the potential future.
9 Truths About INTP and INFP Relationship Compatibility
#1 First Impressions
The INTP is logical and firmly rooted in reality. They prefer to live in the moment and will assess their compatibility with another person based on what they think, versus what they feel. Their INFP counterpart will have to be straightforward about their feelings towards them, otherwise, they could have a difficult time knowing where they stand.
INFPs believe in true love. Their attraction to another person is based on their emotional connection. That being said, they can communicate well with others, and if they want things to progress, they will tell the INTP they’ve just met how they are feeling.
When first introduced, it might be challenging for these two personality types to establish an early connection. If they can present their true selves to one another, there is potential for a romantic spark to ignite.
#2 Emotional Connection
INTPs struggle with emotional connection. How they assess the world around them is by processing tangible facts. Because of this, they might have a hard time understanding what their sensitive, passionate partners need emotionally.
INFPs won’t struggle at all to share how they are feeling or to understand how their partner is feeling. They have an incredible ability to empathize with others. They genuinely care about how those around them are feeling and will take action to improve the emotional well-being of their partner.
Finding and fostering the emotional connection between these two might fall solely on the shoulders of the INFP, which might balance an otherwise strong pair of individuals or, might be a cause of resentment for others.
#3 Conversations
Once all their thinking is done – and sometimes before it is done – an INTP will relish the opportunity to share their thoughts and discoveries with their partner. They love solving problems and will enjoy sharing their breakthroughs.
INFPs are also passionate about sharing their ideas. While they might seem shy at first, they are happy to take any opportunity to speak about their beliefs and dreams. They also balance an INTP very well in this regard because they will happily listen, and contribute creatively, to their partner’s exciting discoveries.
In a relationship, an INTP and INFP have the potential to hold some remarkably interesting and innovative conversations. Their different methods of processing the world around them will help to contribute even more points of view to their conversation.
#4 Goal Setting
INTPs are capable of setting goals, however, their actions to achieve those goals might not be enough to get the task done. They think broadly and could struggle to figure out the specific small steps it takes to achieve a goal.
INFPs are similar to their INTP partner in that they have goals that center around “the big picture”. They are idealists who tend to daydream, and so they will have no shortage of goals in mind but might spend more time thinking about their goals, then taking action towards achieving them.
These two might struggle to accomplish goals together but have the potential to do a lot of thinking and planning about their goals. Perhaps they can work together to think up a specific set of steps to reach their goals.
#5 Disputes
Unfortunately, INTPs can be so poor at connecting with people emotionally that they forget to think about their partner’s feelings when explaining their thoughts. They can come off as condescending without meaning to and can be a little unsympathetic.
Quite the opposite, INFPs are incredibly sensitive towards the feelings and emotional needs of others but will avoid starting conflict even at the expense of their feelings. INFPs desire peace and have the tools needed to resolve conflicts should they arise.
#6 Conflicts
When it comes to conflicts and an INTP and INFP pair there is a good chance that one could hurt the other without thinking. However, INFPs value harmony and have a great capacity to forgive.
#7 Organizational Habits
As beautiful as their ability to problem-solve and think critically might be, an INTP’s ability to keep an organized space is not. While focusing on the larger picture, INTPs tend to not care about the orderliness of their living space.
Similarly, INFPs like to live without routine and structure and may also fall into a disorganized state. They live in their idealized world so much, that living in the moment (and keeping tidy at the moment) doesn’t occupy too much of their concern.
Hopefully, in an INTP and INFP relationship, someone is taking responsibility for day-to-day chores, and no one is holding any resentment!
#8 Core Values
According to the Myers-Briggs Foundation, INTPs are always seeking to improve the world around them. They look for areas where innovations can be made for the better and then use their brilliant minds to create solutions.
Similarly, INFPs advocate for the betterment of the world and their community. They will pursue a calling and work towards making that dream a reality. INFPs need to feel a larger purpose in the actions they take.
#9 Points of View
When paired together, and INTP and INFP could do some great change for the better in the world. Their different points of view balance each other out. The INTP grounds the INFP, and the INFP will uplift and encourage the creative nature of their INTP partner.
Conclusion
These seven truths about the compatibility in an INTP and INFP relationship show that there is potential for a few bumpy moments, however, there is also a good opportunity for balance, common interest, good conversation, and a compatible match.